Polygon’s MATIC is getting a makeover: Founders release white paper for POL

The tokenomics revamp is part of the network’s upgrade to Polygon 2.0

article-image

Satheesh Sankaran/Shutterstock modified by Blockworks

share

Polygon, a layer-2 network built on top of the Ethereum blockchain, is planning to revamp the tokenomics of matic, its native token. 

The tokenomics revamp is part of the network’s “Polygon 2.0” plans. A handful of the network’s founders and researchers proposed the change.

A white paper that outlines the new design explained how the network intends to introduce POL — a new native token that will replace MATIC.

POL is what the Polygon team calls a “hyperproductive token,” similar to “productive tokens” which can be used by validators to secure a network and reap benefits. The team said the upgraded token will have all the critical aspects of a productive token, but it can also be used by validators to secure multiple chains. Every chain can likewise offer multiple roles to these validators.

Polygon noted in a blog post that different chains can offer roles including: accepting transactions and block generation, creating zero-knowledge proofs, and participating in data availability committees.

Source: Polygon

Migrating MATIC tokens to POL will be achieved by sending the MATIC tokens to a designated smart contract. This smart contract will handle the conversion process automatically, converting the deposited MATIC into an equivalent amount of POL.

To ensure that all token holders have enough time to transfer their assets, the Polygon team is planning to give users more than four years to change their tokens. 

The initial supply of the token will be capped at 10 billion, and most of these tokens will be reserved for transitioning MATIC to POL. Following the initial supply, the white paper proposes that the token’s emission rate, the speed at which a token can be created, be capped at 1% each year for the next ten years.

Following the announcement, Polygon’s community governance will discuss and provide feedback on the proposal before determining next steps.


Get the news in your inbox. Explore Blockworks newsletters:

Tags

Decoding crypto and the markets. Daily, with Byron Gilliam.

Upcoming Events

Javits Center North | 445 11th Ave

Tues - Thurs, March 24 - 26, 2026

Blockworks’ Digital Asset Summit (DAS) will feature conversations between the builders, allocators, and legislators who will shape the trajectory of the digital asset ecosystem in the US and abroad.

Old Billingsgate

Mon - Wed, October 13 - 15, 2025

Blockworks’ Digital Asset Summit (DAS) will feature conversations between the builders, allocators, and legislators who will shape the trajectory of the digital asset ecosystem in the US and abroad.

recent research

Unlocked by Template.png

Research

The march toward an interoperable and onchain-by-default internet depends on reliable messaging and value transfer across heterogeneous domains. Crosschain protocols now process >$1.3T in combined annual transfer volume and secure tens of millions of user interactions, yet no single design dominates.

article-image

As the shutdown enters its second week, sources say the Senate Banking Committee looks to move ahead with a market structure bill markup

article-image

The collaboration expands Ripple’s Middle East footprint, supporting Bahrain’s blockchain adoption and future rollout of Ripple USD

by Blockworks /
article-image

The medical device firm will manage its $400 million Solana holdings using Coinbase Prime infrastructure to bolster its digital asset strategy

by Blockworks /
article-image

The deal gives PayPay a 40% stake in Binance Japan, linking digital assets with Japan’s largest mobile payment network

by Blockworks /
article-image

Citigroup’s venture arm backs BVNK to expand stablecoin payments infrastructure amid growing US regulatory clarity

by Blockworks /
article-image

The partnership integrates Deutsche Bank’s payment rails with Bullish’s regulated exchange, streamlining fiat operations for institutional traders

by Blockworks /